BARN TOURS EVERY HALF HOUR STARTING AT NOON

HOUSE TOURS AT 12:30 and 2:30 PM

CRAFT FOR CHILDREN 

BLACKSMITHING DEMOS ALL DAY

NEW THIS YEAR: BARBED WIRE TOOL TRAILER ON DISPLAY

From noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center’s Open Barn Day will give visitors a unique chance to see the inside of the historic barn where “The Winner” barbed wire was invented and initially manufactured.

Admission is $5 for adults; children younger than 14 and Homestead members are admitted free.

The barn is perhaps the most historically significant in the country, according to historic preservationist Roger Keys, because it is where Glidden invented and manufactured the first practical barbed wire. Keys, who has done much work on the Homestead’s house and barn, will give tours every half hour starting at noon. The brick barn was built circa 1870. Glidden’s first barbed wire manufacturing office was located in the southeast corner of the barn. The architecture and ongoing restoration plans will be discussed and shared.

Local collector John Rowe will display his barbed wire tool trailer, featuring tools that reflect the history of barbed wire collecting, as well as other hands-on demonstrations throughout the day.

The Phineas Vaughan Blacksmith Shop at the Glidden Homestead will be open and operating that day. Volunteer blacksmiths will provide a glimpse into living-history as they provide demonstrations of the craft.

The historic Glidden home will also be open for docent-led tours starting at 12:30 and 2:30 pm. There will be a farm animal craft available for children.

For more information email Jessi@gliddenhomestead.org or call 815-756-7904.